Food bank asks for turkey donations

The Idaho Food Bank said it needs 2,000 turkeys to feed families in eastern Idaho. In total they want to have 5,000 turkeys.

The agency works with the mobile food pantry in Madison County to deliver holiday meals. On Tuesday volunteers passed out food.

“It feels really good just to know that you are helping people who can’t afford it,” said volunteer Katelyn Carton.

Volunteers are also busy prepping for the holiday season.

“Thanksgiving is really about a big family dinner and being together, so I think that because you’re giving families the opportunity to do that, it can really bring joy to them,” said Carton.

The food bank’s goal is to feed 20,0000 local families.

“It is getting into the winter season and people’s gardens aren’t producing anymore, so there is just a higher need,” said Project Director of Madison Cares, Janet Goodliffe.

Representatives with the food bank said this month, the need has gone up 10 to 15 percent. They said it could be from the hundreds of thousands of Idahoans who saw their food stamps cut.

“For some families, this gets them through until perhaps they’re able to renew their food stamp cards,” Goodliffe said.

But there are ways to help. If you donate a box of stuffing, canned yams, cranberries and a frozen turkey, you can feed a family of four.

You can donate food to Les Schwab, food pantries and shelters in eastern Idaho. To find out how to donate or volunteer, click here for more information http://www.idahofoodbank.org/.